The State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Mohali, has arrested Raman Kumar, a resident of Gangyal in Jammu, for his alleged links with Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti, officials said.
Kumar was arrested on January 21, in connection with an Arms Act case registered on December 10 last year, at the SSOC Mohali police station. After obtaining a production warrant, the accused was brought from Ambala jail to Punjab and produced before a district court.
SSOC AIG Deepak Pareek said, "A .30 bore pistol was recovered from the accused on January 23 based on his disclosure. The accused had been in contact with Bhatti for long and was working on his directions."
During interrogation, Kumar revealed that he ran a meat shop at Gangyal and was involved in local rivalries. He said that he came in contact with Bhatti through Instagram and remained in touch.
According to investigators, Bhatti allegedly supplied the pistol to Kumar through one of his operatives, while specific target details were yet to be shared. Acting on the accused's confession, an SSOC team recovered the weapon.
Police said Kumar had earlier been arrested by Ambala Police in connection with a blast at a police station in Ambala, which was allegedly carried out on Bhatti's directions. The accused is also alleged to have provided financial assistance to the perpetrators at Bhatti's behest.
Further investigation is under way.